The Virginia Production Alliance Celebrates 25 years

Rita McClenny, former director Virginia Film Office honored

The Virginia Production Alliance (VPA) will host a 25th anniversary event to commemorate 25 years as Virginia’s premiere association for the film, television and video profession in Virginia. The organization provides educational and professional development opportunities and is an advocacy group that has been instrumental in the creation of legislation supporting film and television production in the state. The event will be held on Friday, Jan. 24, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 North Boulevard in Richmond.

At the event, the VPA will present a lifetime achievement award to Rita D. McClenny who served as director of the Virginia Film Office for 22 years, from 1991 to 2012. Throughout her tenure, Virginia’s film industry saw a period of unparalleled growth during which time hundreds of films, television shows, documentaries and commercials were shot in Virginia having a billion-dollar economic impact. A few of the many film and television projects that filmed in Virginia while she was director included John Adams, Lincoln, Dirty Dancing, What About Bob?, Somersby, and Hannibal. In 2012, McClenny became the president and CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, the state’s travel and tourism agency.

As part of the festivities, guests will attend the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Hollywood Costume exhibit featuring100 costumes from 60 iconic Hollywood films, including The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady, Superman, Harry Potter, Fight Club, TheMatrix, and Brokeback Mountain. The exhibit originated at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London and runs through February 9.

The cost for the event, including entry into the Hollywood Costume Exhibit, is $50 for non-VPA members and $25 for members, who may purchase up to two tickets at that price. Parking is free in the VMFA parking deck, and dress is Hollywood Chic: Black Jeans to Black Tie.